Boldin, Harvin traded as NFL free agency nears

FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2013, file photo, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches a 13-yard pass for a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) trails the play during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans. The Ravens announced on Monday, March 11, that the 49ers have acquired Boldin for a sixth-round draft pick. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
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FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2013, file photo, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches a 13-yard pass for a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) trails the play during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans. The Ravens announced on Monday, March 11, that the 49ers have acquired Boldin for a sixth-round draft pick. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
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FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2012, file photo, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Minneapolis. The Vikings have agreed to trade the unhappy receiver to Seattle for a package of draft picks that includes the Seahawks' first-round selection next month, No. 25 overall. A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed the details to The Associated Press on Monday, March 11, 2013, on condition of anonymity because th— AP

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2012, file photo, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Minneapolis. The Vikings have agreed to trade the unhappy receiver to Seattle for a package of draft picks that includes the Seahawks' first-round selection next month, No. 25 overall. A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed the details to The Associated Press on Monday, March 11, 2013, on condition of anonymity because th
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FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2013, file photo, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) reacts to a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans. The Ravens announced on Monday, March 11, that the 49ers have acquired Boldin for a sixth-round draft pick. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)— AP

FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2013, file photo, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) reacts to a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game in New Orleans. The Ravens announced on Monday, March 11, that the 49ers have acquired Boldin for a sixth-round draft pick. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
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On the eve of NFL free agency, trades involving top receivers Anquan Boldin and Percy Harvin grabbed the headlines.

In an odd twist Monday, Boldin went from the Ravens to the San Francisco 49ers, the team he helped Baltimore beat 34-31 in last month's Super Bowl.

Harvin, who expressed his discontent in Minnesota, was sent to Seattle, where he will join former Vikings teammate Sidney Rice.

San Francisco acquired the 32-year-old Boldin for a sixth-round draft pick. Boldin, a star in Baltimore's run to the Super Bowl title last season, must pass a physical to complete the deal.

"Anquan was a great receiver for myself and for our football team," said quarterback Joe Flacco, who signed a six-year, $120.6 million deal with the Ravens last week. "It's sad to see a guy like that go, but at the same time, you want what's best for him and you just wish him the best of luck.

"Anquan was a big part of this football team, a big part of this offense. He's one of the main reasons we won the Super Bowl this year."

Boldin had six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl victory. He had said he'd consider retirement rather than leave Baltimore. But going to the NFC champions might change his mind.

"It's a business, man. Those things are going to happen," Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones said. "I wish Q the best. He's always a Raven with me, and we got something they can't take from us."

Added fellow Baltimore receiver Torrey Smith: "It's not so much about football when you lose someone like that, someone you love like a brother and would do anything for you."

The 24-year-old Harvin, Minnesota's moody and multi-talented receiver, will join the Seahawks for a package of draft picks that includes Seattle's first-round selection next month, No. 25 overall. He also must pass a physical.

Minnesota will also get Seattle's seventh-round pick this year and third-round selection in 2014.

League MVP Adrian Peterson was not thrilled over the news.

"The best all around player I ever seen or you'll ever see! Goes to Seattle! I feel like I just got kicked in the stomach. Several times!!!" Peterson posted on Twitter.

Harvin was producing at an All-Pro level until badly spraining his left ankle last Nov. 4 in a game at Seattle. He was placed on injured reserve a month later. He led the NFL in total yards at the time of his injury.

Harvin, who also has suffered from migraines, will enter the fifth and final season of his rookie deal with a $2.9 million salary that's well under market value - unless the Seahawks rework it.

Team owner John Mara said the Giants will risk having Cruz agree to a contract with another club. New York has the right to match any offer. If the Giants allow him to leave, they will get a first-round draft choice as compensation.